HERALDRY & COATS OF ARMS

Heraldry emerged in western Europe in the 12th century to meet
the necessity for military identification. It was originally developed by the military
aristocracy as a hereditary system of identification using visual symbols according to
certain conventions. The term is commonly accepted as pertaining to the devising,
granting, and use of Coats of Arms, or armorial bearings. This type of symbology became so
popular that it was soon adopted by civilian individuals and by corporate bodies such as
town governments, universities, and the church, and eventually by regiments and national
states. Strictly speaking, the term heraldry has a wider significance, covering all the
functions of a herald, or officer concerned with arms, genealogy, ceremonies, and
precedence.

A Coat of Arms was originally a light tunic (i.e. a surcoat
extending down to the knees) decorated with symbology and worn over battle armor. The
symbology served to identify the wearer (whose face might be covered by the visor of his
helmet) as the member of a particular family or group. The symbology itself eventually
became known as a Coat of Arms.

Heraldry is as much a science as an art. Heraldry usually refers to
the Coat of Arms for a particular surname pertaining to a specific locality. However, in
many cases, particularly with common surnames such as Smith, etc., there are several
different Coats of Arms for the same surname, each pertinent to a different lineage and
locality. Coats of Arms also vary according to generations. In most countries, the
original Coat of Arms was handed down to the oldest son. Hence, each succeeding son's Coat
of Arms was slightly modified or altered. This has resulted in several different Coats of
Arms for descendants of the same family which have developed over a period of several
generations for the same locality.

For individuals who are interested in obtaining their family's Coat
of Arms, we recommend locating the original Coat of Arms which pertains to the surname and
locality of their ancestors. Our Heraldry Specialists will assist you in locating the
original Coat of Arms for your surname. In addition, our staff of professional
illustrators can assist you in enlarging and providing color to your Coat of Arms making
it suitable for framing. Above is a sample of an illustrated Coat of Arms in full color.

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